Dear Friends and Customers,

Those of you who have been receiving my newsletter for a while will notice that this newsletter is different than the ones you’re used to seeing. While I’ve received many compliments on my writing I’ve felt for some time that I wasn’t getting the newsletter out often enough to stay in the sort of regular contact with you that I believe serves us both best.
My goal was to send you a monthly newsletter, but I was only sending out at most two a year. More regular newsletters allow me to give you information of a seasonal nature, and to offer you regular and timely specials. So I’ve gotten some help. This newsletter is only partially written by me, but I like what’s in it, even the parts I didn’t write. Please feel free to let me

Beware Of Static Electricity At The Gas Pumps

There’s a deadly danger that lurks at the gas station, yet few people may be aware of it. Since the early 1990s, 129 fires have broken out at the pumps, killing some people and wounding others, according to the Petroleum Equipment Institute.

The fires were ignited by static electricity, and most occurred after the pump was left running and the person re-entered the vehicle to keep warm or retrieve a wallet.

Re-entering the vehicle can potentially create friction against the car seat, which will build up static electricity in the body. When removing the nozzle from the gas tank, sparks from the static electricity are capable of causing a fire.

Make sure to ground yourself by touching a piece of metal—like your car door—before you touch the pump once it has filled up your gas tank. The point is to touch something besides the nozzle to discharge the electricity from your body.

Despite these dangers, only the SPINX Oil Company, a chain of 80 gas stations in South Carolina, is planning to put up “Touch me” stickers that are placed over metal near the gasoline pumps. Most gas stations today, however, do post warnings against using a cell phone or smoking a cigarette while fueling up.

Marty Kaliski

know what you think of it, as your opinion is the most important aspect of any work we do here. Your suggestions help me create a product that is of value to you, so if you have any thoughts don’t hesitate to call.

     Marty

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Newsletter Changes Beware Of Static Electricity At The Gas Pumps How Can You Prevent Identity Theft? May Events Are You What You Drive? Has Your Surgeon Left Something Behind? Do You Read The Signs? Why Does The Letter “X” Signify A Kiss How Can You Teach Your Children To Appreciate Money? Congratulations To Our 'Client Of The Month!' Do You Want To Win A Free 3-day / 2-night Mini-Vacation? Bumper Stickers For Mom It’s Only Fair

Beware Of Static Electricity At The Gas Pumps

* * Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! * *

Special thanks go out to all of our clients and friends who graciously referred our shop to their friends and neigh-bors last month! Our business is built based on the positive comments and re-ferrals from people just like you. We just couldn’t do it without you.

* Rosalie Cassell *
* Anjali Crawford *
* Barbara Oliver *

Tips To Help Prevent Identity Theft

1. Don’t have your Social Security or driver’s license number printed on your checks. The numbers, along with other personal information on the check, will give the thief all the necessary facts to apply for a loan, credit card or a bank account in your name.
2. When writing checks, don’t leave blank spaces on the lines designating the payee and the amount. Write words close together, avoid abbreviations and draw lines to fill any gaps. Otherwise, a criminal can change what you’ve written, for instance, a check for IBM could be doctored to read T.B. Matthews.
3. Try to use your own pre-printed deposit slips, or at least make sure the deposit slips in the bank lobby don’t have someone else’s account number already written or printed on them. Many depositors don’t pay attention to what’s on deposit slips, a mistake thieves use to enrich their own accounts.

Do You Have A Question About Car Maintenance
That You Want Answered?

We love to hear from all of our good friends and clients who enjoy reading our monthly newsletter. If you have a question about anything related to your vehicle, feel free to give us a call at 510-235-6000.

 

GET READY FOR THE SPRING DRIVING SEASON FREE 52 POINT PREVENTATIVE MAINTANENCE CHECK WITH EVERY OIL CHANGE ( JUST MENTION THIS SPECIAL) expires 5/31/03

 

May Events
May 1 May 5 May 11 May 14 May 26 May 4-10 May 6-12 May 11-17 May 19-25	School Principal’s Day Cinco de Mayo Mother’s Day National Receptionist’s Day Memorial Day Teacher Appreciation Week National Nurses Week National Police Week Buckle Up America Week

Are You What You Drive?

Drive a Honda Civic, and you’re probably considered practical. Buy one of those gigantic Hummers and you’re definitely domineering, or at least want to be. A pickup? It’s for the masculine types.

The new cars we drive probably tell us a lot about our personalities. After all, a used car is much cheaper. So why buy a new one, if not to fulfill an emotional need or to make a statement?

As Dr. Charles Kenny, a psychologist and president of consumer psychology firm Kenny & Associates, puts it: “From a rational standpoint, there are emotional and psychological factors driving the purchase, and people in the automobile industry know all that.” He has interpreted the consumer buying behavior for GM, Toyota and Nissan.

We all know the clichés: the midlife crisis purchase of a sports car, the minivan for the soccer mom, the expensive luxury sedan to project wealth, etc. In fact, some experts attribute the popularity of SUVs to the hang-ups about the “stodgy” image a minivan may project. The SUVs keep their owners looking hip and sporty, yet are roomy enough for carpooling the kids to soccer and baseball games.

There are some people who refuse to give in to the desire and buy a brand new car, including Sam Walton, the late founder of Wal-Mart. When asked why he drove the same pickup for almost 30 years, Walton quipped: “What am I supposed to haul my dogs around in, a Rolls Royce?”

Surgeons Sometimes Leave Souvenirs

Sponges, metal clamps, surgical tape: These are just a few of the things that surgeons mistakenly leave inside patients after surgeries, according to a recent study. The lost or forgotten objects were usually lodged in and around the abdomen and hips, the chest and certain cavities of the body, according to the study published in The New England Journal of Medicine. In all, 1,500 patients fell victim to the medical mishaps over a two-year period.

On a Plumber's truck: "We repair what your husband fixed."
Pizza Shop Slogan: "7 days without pizza makes one weak."
At a Tire Shop in Milwaukee: "Invite us to your next blowout."
At a Towing company: "We don't charge an arm and a leg. We want tows."
In a Nonsmoking Area: "If we see smoke, we will assume you are on fire and take appropriate action."
On a Maternity Room door: "Push. Push. Push."
At an Optometrist's Office "If you don't see what you're looking for, you've come to the right place."
On a Taxidermist's window: "We really know our stuff."
In a Podiatrist's office: "Time wounds all heels."
On a Fence: "Salesmen welcome! Dog food is expensive."
At a Car Dealership: "The best way to get back on your feet - miss a car payment."
Outside a Muffler Shop: "No appointment necessary. We hear you coming."
In a Veterinarian's waiting room: "Be back in 5 minutes. Sit! Stay!"
In a Restaurant window: "Don't stand there and be hungry. Come on in and get fed up."
At a Propane Filling Station: "Tank heaven for little grills."

Some Things You May Not Know

Q: Why do men's clothes have buttons on the right while women's clothes have buttons on the left?

A: When buttons were invented, they were very expensive and worn primarily by the rich. Because wealthy women were dressed by maids, dressmakers put the buttons on the maid's right. Since most people are right-handed, it is easier to push buttons on the right through holes on the left. And that's where women's buttons have remained since.

Q: Why do X's at the end of a letter signify kisses?

A: In the Middle Ages, when many people were unable to read or write, documents were often signed using an X. Kissing the X represented an oath to fulfill obligations specified in the document. The X and the kiss eventually became synonymous.

Q: Why are many coin banks shaped like pigs?

A: Long ago, dishes and cookware in Europe were made of a dense, orange clay called "pygg". When people saved coins in jars made of this clay, the jars became known as "pygg banks." When an English potter misunderstood the word, he made a bank that resembled a pig. And it caught on.

Congratulations To Our
'Client Of The Month!'

Every month, we choose a very special client of the month. It’s our way of acknowledging our great clients and saying thanks to those that support our business with referrals and repeat business.
This month’s Client of the Month is

Marina Bear, for her unflagging positive attitude and good cheer.

How To Teach Children
About Money

1. Give them a piggy bank at a young age, and teach them the differences in coins’ values.
2. Make saving a habit, with a rule that a certain percentage of their allowance or birthday money is put in the piggy bank.
3. Open a savings account in a child’s name and show them how the interest will compound over time.
4. Encourage goal setting. Have them make a wish list along with a deadline: a skateboard by the end of the summer, a bike by the end of the year.
5. Teach how to budget. Have them write down what they plan to spend in any given week, and if any money will be left over. This will teach them the difference between wants and needs

Do You Want To Win A Free 3-day / 2-night Mini-Vacation?

Take the trivia challenge and you just might win!
Each month we’ll give you a new trivia question. The first 10 people to call with the correct answer will be eligible to win. At the end of the month we’ll draw one lucky name. That winner will receive a certificate good for 3 fun-filled days and 2 exciting nights of deluxe hotel accommodations at one of 18 fantastic locations.

Here is this month’s trivia question: Which of these is not a springtime flower?
___a) The Evergreen
___b) The Daffodil
___c) The Tulip
___d) The Lily

Call right now with your answer!
The answer to last month’s trivia challenge “The phrase, “April showers bring”, what?” was b) May Flowers.

Bumper Stickers For Mom

• Behind every successful woman is herself.
• Oh My Gosh. I think I’m becoming the man I wanted to marry!
• Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but she did it backwards and in high heels.
• A woman is like a tea bag…you don’t know how strong she is until you put her in hot water.
• I have yet to hear a man ask for advice on how to combine marriage and a career.
• Of course I don’t look busy…I did it right the first time.
• Do not start with me. You will not win.
• How can I miss you if you won’t go away?
____And Last But Not Least:
• If you want breakfast in bed, sleep in the kitchen.

Thanks for the Kind Words

"Things I appreciate most about your service are:

The quality of the work.
The accuracy and honesty of your estimates.

The thoroughness of your explanations about what’s going on with my car, what needs to be done right away and what can be safely put off.

The courtesy of your staff.

Jessie Wood

It’s Only Fair

A storeowner was dismayed when a brand-new business much like his own opened up next-door and erected a huge sign that read, “BEST DEALS.” He was horrified when another competitor opened up on his right, and announced its arrival with an even larger sign, reading “LOWEST PRICES.” The shopkeeper panicked, until he got an idea. He put the biggest sign of all over his own shop. It read: “MAIN ENTRANCE.”

last update 5/25/03
Inkyslay Productions